Word Origin & History

mannerism "excessive use of distinctive methods in art or literature," 1803, from manner. Meaning "an instance of mannerism, habitual peculiarity" is from 1819. Mannerist in this sense is attested from 1690s. Related: Mannerisms.

Example Sentences for mannerism

But never did she allow such phrasing of steps to become a mannerism.

Barnett had another mannerism that would become his calling card.

Perhaps it's time to resist the reflexive use of this mannerism.

His mannerism is great, but it is a noble and welcome mannerism.

His sentences are well-built, with a strict avoidance of any mannerism or exaggeration.

But this device, if too often used, would become a mannerism.

Mannerism is always longing to have done, and has no true enjoyment in work.

The first was a high-pitched giggle, which may have been not a gimmick at all but an actual personal mannerism.

It was instantly apparent which genre each writer belonged to-first by appearance, then by mannerism, finally by prose.

Premature individualism commonly ends either in a reaction against the original whims, or in a mannerism which perpetuates them.